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Quote of the Day: Gruber on Patents and Google

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:40:30 -0500

Apple can be a dick about patents. Microsoft can be a dick about patents. But of the three, only Google is a hypocrite about patents — against their use as a competitive weapon only until they have their own to use.

Via Daring Fireball Linked List: Google Wants 2.25 Percent Royalty for Every iPhone Sold

More evidence that Google’s “don’t be evil” motto is bullshit. They are completely disingenuous about patents, openness, and competition.

Latest from McDonald's in China: Mashed Potato Burger

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:20:00 -0500

Looks like the newest burger for the “manly man” (as described in this commercial’s title, “Beef 2012 Manly Man Campaign”) at McDonald’s in China features two beef patties, bacon, and…a hefty glob of mashed potatoes?

Via A Hamburger Today

This actually sounds really good (two of my favorite things combined). If McDonalds doesn’t bring this burger to North America, I’ll have to make one myself.

Dr. Drang On The Iraq War

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:18:00 -0500

Before we let it go, though, I think it’s worth reflecting on these totals for Iraq:

US military deaths: 4484

Coalition military deaths: 4802

Weapons of mass destruction: 0

Connections with September 11 terrorists: 0

Threats posed to US and her allies: 0

Via Afghanistan, January 2012 - All this

I understand the point he’s trying to make, but he pushed it too far with his final claim. It’s hard to argue that Saddam Hussein wasn’t a threat to America’s allies, and to the people of Iraq. Even the fourth point is debatable. Weren’t the first three factual points enough to support his position on the issue? Why dilute the argument with unnecessary opinion?

What is it about politics that makes even the smartest people sound silly? It’s never good enough to be on the right side of the issue, we have to vilify the other side.

Five-Year-Old Analyzes Logos

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:50:14 -0500

Five-Year-Old Analyzes Logos:

Astute and adorable.

Via Daring Fireball

Smart kid. I think some brand managers should watch this.

Neil Young is right — piracy is the new radio — GigaOm

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:36:13 -0500

Neil Young is right — piracy is the new radio — GigaOm:

I look at the internet as the new radio. I look at the radio as gone. […] Piracy is the new radio. That’s how music gets around.

I have been saying for years that digital music (both legal and illegal) is the new radio and not the new CD, so I’m glad someone as respected as Neil Young is making this point. Read the GigaOm article and the interview with Neil.

‘Rave Reviews’

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:33:00 -0500

‘Rave Reviews’:

MacDailyNews calls foul on Seeking Alpha writer Cameron Kaine’s claim, regarding Amazon as a rival to Apple, that “last November the company launched an assault on Apple’s tablet reign with the unveiling of its Kindle Fire to rave reviews.”

Via Daring Fireball

I followed the Kindle Fire launch pretty closely, and I don’t remember a single “rave” review. Even Jeff Bezos didn’t seem that excited about it.

“‘Empire Strikes Back’ On Steroids”

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:21:11 -0500

It’s much darker [than the movies]. It’s a much more adult series. I think, thematically, in terms of characters and what they go through, it will be… if we can ever get it together and George really wants to pursue it, it’ll be the most awesome part of the whole franchise, personally…. It’s Empire Strikes Back on steroids.

(Via /Film)

This quote is from Rick McCallum about the possible Star Wars live-action TV show, and it might be the most exciting thing I’ve ever heard. If they produce a TV series that is half as good as Empire, you’ll never hear another bad thing said about George Lucas again.

Can you imagine seeing Star Wars stories from George Lucas’s imagination, brought to life by the best directors and writers in the business?

Why Samsung Is The Next Apple

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:30:12 -0500

Why Samsung Is The Next Apple:

The article isn’t as dumb as the title suggests, but I don’t think the author understands what makes Apple unique. Apple doesn’t need to dominate a market to be extremely profitable.

iOS and Android are in a dead heat for market share, but Apple continues to make the majority of industry profits.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Next Level Blu-ray Clip

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:39:00 -0500

The difference is stunning. I’m glad I put off buying the current DVDs. I hope Fox sees these results, and gives the same treatment to Buffy and The X-Files.

"How much then, for one day with what my family has right now? How much? Everything."

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 20:52:02 -0500

“How much then, for one day with what my family has right now? How much? Everything.”

- Merry, John Gruber.

Take one minute to read it. Beautiful insight to start the new year with.

(via rmateulinks)

A must-read.

Steve Jobs Honored with Special Trustees Grammy Award

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:37:20 -0500

The Recording Academy today announced the winners of its annual Special Merit Grammy Awards, with Steve Jobs being named a recipient of a Trustees Award for 2012. The Trustees Award category is designed to recognize those who have made significant contributions to music in areas other than performance.

Via MacRumors

It’s sad that this type of recognition almost always comes after the person has died. I don’t think Steve Jobs cared much about awards, but he loved music, so I’m sure he would have appreciated winning a Grammy. Steve revolutionized the music industry, so they should probably create a whole new category for this award.

Microsoft Announces Automatic IE6 Updating

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 04:39:59 -0500

IE6 was released to the world 10 years ago. Now Microsoft is saying “Goodbye”. (from the MSNBC Article) “To help expedite the farewell (or rather, the execution) of its ancient Web browser, Microsoft says next month it will start to upgrade Windows customers automatically to the latest version of IE available for their computer.”

Via MetaFilter

Thank god. IE6 is a nightmare for web designers and developers.

Bono on Steve Jobs' Rock and Roll Spirit

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 03:44:18 -0400

When I hurt my spine and I was in trouble, this package arrived of books and CDs and music and honey from their garden – tons of stuff arrived at the house. And so, yes, he was a captain of industry, a warrior for his companies. But I found him to be a very thoughtful friend, and a wonderfully detailed and interested parent of his kids, and lover of his wife. There were those two sides to him, the warrior, and then the very, very tender and soft-spoken side. I already miss him.

Via Exclusive QA: Bono on Steve Jobs’ Rock and Roll Spirit | Music News | Rolling Stone.

A completely different take on Steve Jobs. A must-read.

Sony Buying Film Rights to Steve Jobs Biography

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 05:04:19 -0400

How would you characterize a deal to create a feature film based on a collection of interviews with the late Steve Jobs, as it is announced mere days after his death? Crass commercialism? Fitting tribute? Perhaps simply good business sense, something that Jobs himself would understand, if not exactly admire?

Regardless, Sony is acquiring the book Steve Jobs, an upcoming tome by Walter Isaacson which is based on interviews with Jobs conducted over the past two years. The studio will quickly begin developing a film based on the book, with Mark Gordon producing.

Via /Film

I knew this would happen — and fast, but they could have waited a few days. That said, I will absolutely see it.

Samsung & Google postpone launch event out of respect for Steve Jobs

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:43:00 -0400

We believe this is not the right time to announce a new product as the world expresses tribute to Steve Jobs’ passing.

Via Ars Technica

Classy move, especially when you consider Samsung’s bitter legal battles with Apple.

Steve Jobs Greatest Feat

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 07:03:33 -0400

The vast majority of Apple’s unprecedented resurgence took place while Steve Jobs stared death in the face. How many of us could have lasted this long at all, let alone accomplish all that he did along the way?

The last of Steve’s five decades on this Earth ended up being his most accomplished by far.

Via Apple Outsider » SJ.

This is the exact idea that has been rattling around my brain for the past 24 hours. Read the entire piece.

Subtle Steve Jobs Tribute

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 07:49:00 -0400

The picture of Steve Jobs on Apple.com is named t_hero.png.

This Is Why You Watch The Original Star Wars Trilogy First

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:35:51 -0400

I actually like the Prequel Trilogy, but this is why you still watch the Original Trilogy first.

Interactive Vim Tutorial

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:02:00 -0400

An interactive, web-based Vim tutorial that guides you gently through the very basics of using the editor.

Via One Thing Well | Vim Tutorial.

Even if you have no interest in learning Vim, this web app is a must see.

Video: Don Draper Pitches Facebook Timeline

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:10:22 -0400

Mark Zuckerberg has been working on his presentation skills, but he’s still no Steve Jobs — or Don Draper. Facebook should use this video to promote ‘Timeline’. If you’re a ‘Mad Men’ fan watch closely for some cool “easter eggs”.